Assistant Caretaker

St Margaret's Church of England Junior School, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 9AE

22 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  ASAP

• Closing date

  13 October 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  21 September 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Catering, cleaning and site management
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Part time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: £25,614.00 - £26,847.00 Annually (FTE)

Assistant Caretaker job summary

St Margaret’s Junior School and St Margaret’s Infant School are very successful schools located on the same site at the heart of the community within Rainham, Kent.

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and capable assistant caretaker to work across both schools, supporting the Caretaker and school leadership teams in maintaining a safe, secure, clean and well-presented school environment for pupils, staff and visitors.

The Caretaker’s Assistant will undertake a range of practical duties including basic maintenance, site checks, minor repairs and general caretaking tasks, contributing to the smooth day-to-day operation of the school.

Key Responsibilities

Site Maintenance and Care

• Undertake minor repairs and routine maintenance tasks within the scope of the role, including basic decorating, fixing fixtures and fittings and general upkeep.
• Support the Caretaker with planned and reactive maintenance across the school site.
• Identify defects, damage or maintenance issues and report these promptly to the Caretaker or appropriate member of staff.
• Assist with keeping external areas, pathways, entrances and grounds safe, tidy and free from hazards.
• Support the movement and assembly of furniture, equipment and other items as required.
• Assist with preparing rooms and spaces for school activities, meetings and events.

Health, Safety and Security

• Carry out routine site and safety checks as directed, ensuring any concerns are reported promptly.
• Support the safe opening, closing and securing of the premises where required.
• Assist with routine checks relating to fire safety, emergency lighting, water safety and other statutory site requirements, following appropriate training.
• Take appropriate action to deal with minor hazards, spillages, adverse weather conditions and other site-related issues.
• Work safely at all times and follow the Trust’s health and safety procedures, including the appropriate use of equipment and personal protective equipment.

Cleaning and Site Presentation

• Undertake light cleaning duties or respond to urgent cleaning requirements where necessary to maintain a safe environment.
• Assist with waste and recycling arrangements.
• Help ensure that the school buildings and grounds provide a welcoming and well-maintained environment for pupils, staff, families and visitors.

Contractors and Deliveries

• Assist with receiving deliveries and ensuring items are taken to the appropriate location.
• Provide practical support when contractors are working on site, as directed by the Caretaker or school leadership.
• Report any concerns regarding contractor activity or site security promptly.

General Responsibilities

• Work flexibly with the Caretaker, school staff and Trust colleagues to respond to the operational needs of the school.
• Maintain appropriate records relating to checks or tasks undertaken where required.
• Attend relevant training and meetings appropriate to the role.
• Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the nature and level of the post.

Safeguarding

The postholder will have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and will be expected to work in accordance with the Trust’s safeguarding policies and procedures.

The successful candidate will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

Person Specification

Essential

• A practical, hands-on approach with the ability to undertake basic maintenance tasks.
• Ability to identify and respond appropriately to site and safety issues.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Reliable, organised and able to prioritise day-to-day tasks.
• Good communication skills and a helpful, approachable manner.
• An understanding of the importance of health and safety in the workplace.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training.
• Ability to undertake the physical requirements of the role, with reasonable adjustments where appropriate.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Desirable

• Previous experience of caretaking, maintenance, facilities or a similar practical role.
• Experience of working within a school or similar environment.
• Basic DIY, decorating or maintenance skills.
• Knowledge of basic health and safety requirements relating to premises.
• Relevant health and safety, manual handling or premises-related training.

Informal visits to the schools are both welcomed and encouraged. Please contact the school office on 01634 230998 to arrange an appointment for a school tour with the Headteachers, who can give you more details about what the role entails.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About St Margaret's Church of England Junior School

• Organisation type: Academy, Church of England, ages 7 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• Size: 363 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 7 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: St Margaret's Church of England Junior School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/st-margaret-s-church-of-england-junior-school

St Margaret's Church of England Junior School is a caring school where all children are valued and encouraged to attain the very best they can. It is one of the largest Church Schools in Medway with approximately 360 boys and girls, aged 7 to 11 in twelve classes.

School location

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